per thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "per thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a rate or quantity assigned to each individual item or unit in a group. Example: "The cost is $10 per thing, so if you buy three, it will be $30."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So far, more than 430 fans have pledged to pay at least $10 per "thing" that Palmer releases – a payment level that will grant them access to a monthly webcast by the musician.

The Guardian - Tech

A one-hour teleclass with Forward Momentum, in which Debra DeVilbiss will teach you the "seven things you should know before you retire," costs ten dollars (that's less than a dollar-fifty per thing).

The New Yorker

We are witnessing an evolution of computing, as it expands from mainframes (one computer for many people) to desktops (one computer per person) to mobile (multiple computers per person) to the phenomenon we see today (one-to-many computers per "thing").

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This seventy-per-cent thing is a health craze, not a flavor craze.

The New Yorker

Central government authorities then replaced the banks, and currency became a per-country thing.

Forbes

With $1.1 million on Tuesday, Aquaman may hold off the whole "under $1m-per-day" thing until next Monday (or it may drop today, on its 34th day).

Forbes

However, they're still sticking with the whole 30-bucks-per-vote thing, because after all that's the American way.

Huffington Post

The whole 'one million per cent', 'two million per cent' thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He keeps pushing this pay per view thing but I believe the fight can be made on terrestrial if we are all less greedy.

Independent

At more than $100,000 per day, things appear doable.

TechCrunch

And, as per usual, things aren't going so well for Mindy either.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "per thing", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'thing'. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "per thing" in formal writing where more precise terms like "per item" or "per unit" would be more appropriate. "Per thing" can sound informal or vague in certain professional settings.

Linguistic Context

Prepositional phrases like "per thing" modify nouns or verbs, indicating a rate, distribution, or manner associated with each individual item. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "per thing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, that indicates a rate or quantity for each individual item. While versatile, it is best suited for informal contexts, with more precise terms like "per item" or "per unit" preferred in formal writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various domains, highlighting its role in specifying costs and characteristics on an individual basis. Remember to clearly define "thing" to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for each item

Replaces "per thing" with a more explicit and common phrase indicating individual consideration.

for every item

Similar to 'for each item' but emphasizes universality.

for each unit

Uses 'unit' as a more formal alternative to 'thing'.

per item

A shorter, more direct substitute using 'item'.

per unit

More technical and precise, suitable for contexts where units are clearly defined.

apiece

A concise adverb meaning 'for each one'.

each

A very short and direct substitute, may need rephrasing of the sentence.

individually

Focuses on separate handling or consideration.

respectively

Useful when assigning different values or actions to different items.

on a per-item basis

A more verbose and formal way to express 'per thing'.

FAQs

How can I use "per thing" in a sentence?

You can use "per thing" to indicate a rate or quantity assigned to each individual item. For example, "The cost is $10 per thing, so if you buy three, it will be $30."

What can I say instead of "per thing"?

You can use alternatives like "for each item", "per item", or "apiece" depending on the context.

Is "per thing" formal or informal?

"Per thing" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use more precise terms such as "per item" or "per unit".

What's the difference between "per thing" and "per item"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "per item" is generally considered more formal and professional than "per thing", which is more casual.